Grant Leadbitter twice brought Middlesbrough level after an own goal and a Bjorn Sigurdarson strike.

But Doyle was a worthy hero after his 70th-minute goal capped a strong performance.

Dean Saunders’ team have now won three of their last four in a mini-revival that is giving fans genuine hope they can stay up.

Boro played their part in a gripping clash that saw plenty of fearless attacking play and some generous defending.

But Tony Mowbray’s men, still hoping to edge their way back into the play-offs, are slipping off the pace at the wrong time.

Wolves had the perfect start with a gift of an own-goal in the 17th minute.

Midfielder Stephen Hunt jinked down the left and cut inside right- back Justin Hoyte before his cross was turned in off the knee of defender Stephen McManus.

Boro drew level in the 25th minute thanks to the assistant referee – but his bold call may not have been the right one.

Striker Lukas Jutkiewicz’s shot was well saved by Wolves keeper Dorus De Vries, as he clawed the ball away but not to safety.

Leadbitter then seemed to have had a shot on goal denied, when the ball struck the underside of the bar and bounced down.

But the linesman flagged that the shot had crossed the line and the goal was given.

Saunders said: “The linesman has given a goal and I just can’t see how. He was guessing. If you’re not sure, you can’t give it.

“The players saw that at half-time so for them to come out and win after that showed a lot of character.

“We’re still in the bottom three because of the way results have gone but if we win one or two more we won’t be far off tenth.” Fans’ frustration grew in the first half, but their mood picked up with a second goal in the 48th minute.

Sigurdarson ran on to a neat flick from Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and took it on deep into the Boro defence before rounding the keeper.

But Boro were quick to reply, Leadbitter again the saviour, this time with a mega-drive from 25 yards.

Wolves went in front as a longSEnSthrow by Matt Doherty was flicked on by Roger Johnson and Doyle headed home.

Mowbray said: “At half-time I thought we could have been two or three ahead.We are disappointed with the goals we conceded.

“It’s far too many goals for a team that wants to get out of this league.

“I just want to win matches and if we do that, let’s see where it takes us."